Fuel lines

[Jason]

I was wondering if fuel temperature would have any effect on MPGs...

Colder = Better

or

Warmer = Better

Anyone have any input on this?

I am toying around just for kicks with some different designs for the snake oil magnets and got to wondering about the fuel temperature thing.

I think I have some header wrap tape that I am considering insulating the fuel lines from the rail to the filter, wrapping the filter, then as far back as my roll of tape will take me. I was just wondering if anyone has knowledge that it would be a waste of time.

Things to remember... I live in Texas where hot is spring time and it progressively gets worse from there. Texas is the reason why I am hesitant to do some of the aero modding stuff to the car since it is an automatic... I am afraid it will burn the car up.

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by Jason

Texas is the reason why I am hesitant to do some of the aero modding stuff to the car since it is an automatic... I am afraid it will burn the car up.

Aeromodder extraordinaire Phil Knox lives in Texas:
The Phil Knox fleet - 34 years of aeromodding

[Bror Jace]

Colder (denser) air and/or fuel usually makes for more power ... but with a corresponding increase in fuel consumption.

With carbureted cars, hot fuel lines would make for vapor lock. This probably won't occur with fuel injection, however. At some point it might ... if the fuel gets hot enough to overcome the higher inlet pressures.

[BBsGarage]

You also do not want anything that will retain moisture. I would think that would greatly reduce the fuel lines life.

[tasdrouille]

In lab tests, warmer mixtures have been shown burn more efficiently than colder ones.

That being said, recent FI cars have their fuel heated at the fuel rail, so you'd be wasting your time insulating the lines. Even if your fuel doesn't get heated, I don't think it would make a significant difference anyway. Installing a fuel heater might, but not just insulating.

[Lorenzo]

Theoretically hotter fuel is better. It has more energy.

I also recently saw this video for a PICC (pre-ignition catalytic converter) system. It heats up the fuel with the catalytic converter before it enters the fuel injectors. They claim an increase of 500% in mileage on a bench-top V-8. They say they are still working on it, we'll see. Here's the video: http://upto100mpg.com/video.htm

I also use a vaporizer device on my car and have seen a 5 MPG improvement so I know there's something to the idea.

Cheers,
Lorenzo

[Shawn D.]

While warmer fuel might atomize better, remember that the ECU will still adjust the AFR to compensate. It's probably a wash.

[getnpsi]

I would rather find a way to increase the pressure of the fuel, say 15%, and drop down one fuel injector size in a quest for better atomization. Fuel rails are typically sittin on top or against a hot engine, and are hot enouh to burn on touch once the engine has been running a while, so I dont think much can be had there. Some "kits" sneak out a tiny bit of fuel and let it turn to a vapor.then let it get sucked into the engine but again the ecu knows all about it and I doubt I would see a change there either.

[elhigh]

Originally Posted by Lorenzo

Theoretically hotter fuel is better. It has more energy.
They claim an increase of 500% in mileage on a bench-top V-8. They say they are still working on it, we'll see. Here's the video: http://upto100mpg.com/video.htm
Cheers,
Lorenzo

The first bit makes sense, since it uses heat the engine might otherwise waste and stashes it in the fuel. That's good.

That 500% mileage claim, however, is pure rubbish. Using existing technology and adding a heater to the fuel delivers five times more fuel mileage? Not gonna happen. You'd do better to spend your money on a Tornado.

[watercat]

So i installed a 10 plate heat exchanger on my 94 metro today. Heated the fuel right up going in the throttle body. car barley drives. after further testing it apears that the gas boiling piont is much to low and all the fuel is turned to vapor before it reaches the injector and then the on time etc is way out of wack. long story short doesnt work. but i did leave the heat exchanger and hooked my washer fluid to it and now i have jet hot washer fluid, bonus!